Inaccurate Claims Online Damaged Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Child Tells the Tribunal
The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a judicial body in Paris that false claims spread through social media—among them the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.
She, a attorney, was called as a witness in the trial of 10 individuals accused of digital bullying directed at the first lady.
Impact on Personal Routine
She stated that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, including her attire to how she stands, due to the apprehension that every photograph may be distorted to advance malicious comments.
"The consequence is that she always needs to be careful to what she wears, how she holds herself, irrespective of her activities in her daily life," Auzière informed the judges.
Accused Individuals and Charges
The defendants, in that age range, are in court for internet-based bullying. Several had limited online influence, while others were more visible.
Each one is accused of posting harmful statements about the first lady's gender and sexuality. For some, this extended to equating the age gap with her husband to inappropriate terms.
If convicted, they could receive as much as 24 months in prison.
Family Impact
Auzière, a family member from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, described how the inaccurate allegations have resulted in a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".
She testified, "Hardly a day goes by when a person avoids discussing this to her."
Auzière emphasized the effects on the family, for example her grandchildren being exposed to malicious statements like "Your grandmother is lying" or "She was born male".
"She is unsure how to stop it," she stated. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is continually experiencing this abuse."
Court Case Background
This case is the latest phase in a broader legal battle against the baseless theory that she is supposedly a man.
The couple have initiated a legal action in the United States over false statements involving a conservative podcaster who spread the theory.
The case states that the allegation is completely false and notes that the person cited is actually her sibling.
Accused Individuals' Statements
In court, several defendants denied the charges.
- An individual, serving as a local official, stated he "had no purpose to cause harm" and described his online statements as satirical.
- A well-known publicist stated that his social media shares were meant to be "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could threaten "freedom of expression".
- Another individual testified he posted information as he believed it was a global issue with "implications for the country".
Relationship Background
The false theory about the first lady's sex circulated partly because their marriage has long been a topic of comment in digital spaces.
She, who is two decades older than Emmanuel Macron, first met Emmanuel Macron when she was a instructor at the institution he attended.
The connection between them developed through drama activities, and they married in that year, after her divorce.
She concluded her testimony by stating that the baseless rumors have caused a "whirlwind that does not cease" for her mother.